Julian Wilson, Champion in Tahiti

After three days of non-stop, cutthroat competition, Julian Wilson is the new Billabong Pro Tahiti champion! Our boy built from start to finish, coming from behind in the final to lock in his two best waves of the entire event to overcome a combo from Medina. With so much hard work from Jules in reef break tubes over the last few years, plus a lot of R&D alongside JS on nailing the right boards, we're over the moon to see J-Dub take such a well earned victory at Teahupo'o. Bring on Trestles!

Board breakdowns, below (he's 6'0" / 80kg):

Between rain squalls and onshores, there was still plenty of perfection to be found. Jules, locked into one of the waves of the event on Saturday. Photo Ryan Miller

From Cloudbreak to Teahupo'o, we've seen a lot of small to mid-size waves mixing performance with tube riding. Throughout the dream tour leg we've seen Jules use a range of Forget Me Not's, including several in his shortboard size - 6'0 1/2" x 18 3/4" x 2 7/16" x 28.6L. Fin setups have also changed depending on conditions, with the choice in Tahiti being his signature JW thruster set in large (he's 6'0" / 80kg). Photo Ryan Miller

Extra insight from the man himself on his go-to board this year in Tahiti! Clip Peter King / WSL

Julian's commitment to the treacherous inside section (especially against Ace) had him on the ski more often than most. Thanks to these guys, he made it to the podium almost completely unscathed. Celebration time! Photo Ryan Miller

It's definitely no coincidence that the latest in a long line of battles between these two guys was the best final of the year so far... think the World Title race just got even more interesting? Photo Ryan Miller.